To think if you have mental health problems and no family or friends, you're fucked?

[Lostsomewhereawful]

What are you supposed to do after they stop your PIP and then housing benefit, because they insist you are well but you actually are not well and now can't pay for anything?

Believing doctors you keep hoping that someday you WILL be properly well again and able to have a great job someday and a fulfilling life. But if you're not "there" and then you have no means to keep yourself alive and safe and fed....People are definitely going to start wondering if suicide is the most compassionate choice they can make for themselves.

I'm fairly safe yes, I can handle him and shut him down.

Also, are there any women's centres near you?
They usually offer free counselling. Your GP should have signposted you to them.
I'm so sorry you're having such a difficult time. It's a travesty that you have to fight for everything.

It's hard, I think it's a bit of a postcode lottery. I have no family or friends to support me, but I'm lucky to have kept my ESA and PIP (for severe MH issues) but it's a full time effort making sure I build up enough evidence to qualify for the next renewal. I have got help through Citizen's Advice, and also learned to fill out my own forms using the Benefits and Work website.

You have to be really persistent and also be very clear when attending appointments about the severity of your condition - don't try to put a brave face on it or hide any suicidal thoughts as they just dismiss you as not being severe enough. That's how I've managed to get regular psych appointments and weekly long term CBT. You should be able to get HB/CTS on the basis on a nil income, but you have to let the council know. Reach out to all local forms of support, like food banks.

Safety first. Are you in private rented accommodation?

If you feel able to say where you are geographically, MN may be able to signpost you to resources that you are not aware of.

YANBU at all. It is shockingly bad. I am so sorry you find yourself in this position OP.

Why have they stopped your housing benefit? It can be assessed on a nil income, if necessary.

First thing tomorrow reapply for pip.
I know it'll feel like a wasted cause, but there's nothing to stop you reapplying.

Have you an application for ESA? That usually runs alongside PiP and hopefully they would pay that whilst you put in a PIP appeal. Phone your council and ask if they have a welfare rights team. They are brilliant at appeals and helping you get everything you are entitled to.

If you are feeling suicidal or unable to cope, you can admit yourself to a psychiatric ward as a voluntary patient or ask to be sectioned if you fear you might harm yourself. As an inpatient they can trial different combinations of medication (as they can monitor you for side effects in a safe environment). You will also have access to various therapies and support groups. If medication doesn't help they might consider ECT (if that's something you want to try). They have specialist mental health nurses who can help you apply for housing, benefits and arrange ongoing support on discharge.

Please don't suffer in silence. If you feel suicidal, go to A&E as they have a mental health team 24/7 who can assess/admit you.

I hope you feel better soon

Winterview I'm not suicidal. I'm very surprised that's your experience of treatment and help for suicidal people though?

When I took a very significant overdose years ago I was not admitted to a psychiatric unit, I was deemed fine to be discharged.

I have a cold and detached feeling that suicide would frankly be the only way to stop being somebody who takes out of the system far more than I hhave ever contributed (so far) in tax.

I feel my life is far too expensive to maintain safely and with adequate dignity. Rent, food, medication although we have nhs for now. I cant seem to figure out the right formula for dealing with health and making a living. But I dont want to die.

And no, I would not consider ECT.

You are safe at the moment, roof over your head, posting on MN. Do you have access to food and water?

If you are able to, do not think about the right formula for health and making a living right at this moment. If you want to rage at the inequity in the system, I am here to listen.

Don't write random letters to people about your benefits as someone advised upthread without advice, it can end up counting as an appeal without actually addressing the issues that it needs to. Find an advice centre - Citizens Advice or use the search facility on the Advice Quality Standard website. Sorry things are tough

To clarify what I said.
Regarding psychiatrist writing to the GP, this is evidence that isn't always communicated.
I did mention a late appeal (ESA) also, it was regarding evidence to the DWP if none has been presented.
This isn't looked at as an appeal, just evidence of what the op is living with.